FCC Consumer Complaints – 19 September 2021
Introduction
On Sunday, 19 September 2021, the Federal Communications Commission recorded 319 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services, complaint volume fell from 477 complaints the day before. Complaints were reported across 44 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Complaints relating to Unwanted Calls were marginally higher than for other issue types.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 319
- States & territories reporting
- 44
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (106)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (39)
Where the complaints came from
The 319 complaints recorded on 19 September 2021 originated from 252 cities across 44 states and territories. Complaints were distributed across states and territories in a broadly even manner, with no individual location standing out significantly. At the city level, complaints were similarly dispersed, with no single location accounting for a notable share of the total.
The table below summarises the number of complaints reported in each state and territory on this date, ordered by total reports.
| State/Territory | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|
| California | 39 | 12.2% |
| Texas | 20 | 6.3% |
| Florida | 18 | 5.6% |
| New York | 16 | 5.0% |
| North Carolina | 14 | 4.4% |
| Washington | 14 | 4.4% |
| Illinois | 13 | 4.1% |
| New Jersey | 13 | 4.1% |
| Ohio | 13 | 4.1% |
| Virginia | 13 | 4.1% |
| Other states and territories | 146 | 45.8% |
Location highlight
California had the widest distribution of complaints, with reports originating from 33 different cities.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 4 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 184 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 184 | 57.7% |
| Internet | 69 | 21.6% |
| TV | 60 | 18.8% |
| Radio | 6 | 1.9% |
Phone complaints
184 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 57.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 106 | 57.6% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 24 | 13.0% |
| Billing | 22 | 12.0% |
| Equipment | 15 | 8.2% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 7 | 3.8% |
| Privacy | 7 | 3.8% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 3 | 1.6% |
As is typical for this category, unwanted calls accounted for the largest share of complaints. A more detailed analysis of these reports is provided in the section below. A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Availability (including rural call completion), Billing and Equipment among the most common.
Internet complaints
69 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 21.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 36 | 52.2% |
| Billing | 13 | 18.8% |
| Equipment | 6 | 8.7% |
| Speed | 6 | 8.7% |
| Privacy | 5 | 7.2% |
| Interference | 3 | 4.3% |
Availability and Billing accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
TV complaints
60 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 18.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 20 | 33.3% |
| Indecency | 13 | 21.7% |
| Loud Commercials | 12 | 20.0% |
| Billing | 11 | 18.3% |
| Interference | 3 | 5.0% |
| Privacy | 1 | 1.7% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Availability, Indecency and Loud Commercials among the most common.
The information presented on this page is based on consumer complaint data submitted to regulatory authorities. References to telephone numbers reflect reports made by consumers and do not confirm ownership, authenticity, or that the number was genuinely associated with the call. Caller ID information may be inaccurate or subject to spoofing.
Complaint categories, dates and complainant locations are based on the source records and may contain incomplete, approximate or user-entered information. Location details refer to the complainant’s reported location, not the location of the caller or telephone number. This content is provided for informational purposes only.